Safety Patrol and 100 Watt Smiles

Mali ~

September is my birthday month and so it was extra special to begin it with a little magic that I swear was carried over from my time at Soul Camp. Lao Lao and I (on another one of our many walks on the trails) happened upon the butterfly below on the ground. He was right in the middle of the trail (prime location to get squished by a fast bicyclist or runner) and wasn't budging (I suspect because it was drizzling and his wings were damp). So, we attempted to move him to drier space and once he climbed onto my hand, he refused to fly away. Each time I would place him on something, he'd fly right back to me. It was really amazing.

And while I was entertaining butterflies in the wild, you were busy at home snuggling with part of our zoo. We bought a new comforter for the bed and it's soft and fluffy and comes with high approval from all of you (animals and humans, alike), as you can see from the pictures below.

Now, since we have a little more freedom from child care this year (with Dad working from home), you were excited to be able to join Safety Patrol. You are taking this job and all of its responsibilities so seriously. Just one more reason for me to feel proud of you. And as you can see below, you make fluorescent yellow look good, kid!

Even GG wants to join Safety Patrol! Ha ha.

The weather has been a bit milder and one day we went outside to do homework and you read to me on the deck. A couple years ago, I wasn't sure what reading would look like for you because it was quite a struggle at first. Lo and behold, you have found some books you really enjoy this year and have blossomed into quite the young reader. It's beautiful to watch.

We celebrated the autumnal equinox by trying something new together...painting canvases! Evidently, you have done this before but it was definitely something new for me and, knowing that, you were so supportive of my process. Every time I see this generous and kind side of you, I can't help but feel amazed and grateful. I also reflect on how lucky anyone in your circle is to call you a friend.

That same day, the three of us (you, me, and Daddy), all chipped in and worked hard to power wash the decks (front and back). It was a huge job but between all of us, we got it done in one day! The bonus was when I came outside to find you had just written me a love note on the front deck. My heart filled up so big!

The very next day, Daddy and I went to Jay and Katie's wedding where Daddy officiated the ceremony. It was beautiful and Daddy did fabulously. Here we are just before leaving for the wedding...and check out that bright, clean deck behind us! It looks brand new!

just after the ceremony...Daddy breathing sighs of relief

killing time before the ceremony at The Book Loft
(I couldn't help taking this picture...as our family
always says...being normal is boring)

Thankfully, Lao Lao came to the rescue again and was your fun companion / babysitter while we attended the wedding and reception. She even treated you to dinner at The Melting Pot! A favorite spot for you two.

I got this text from you while we were at the wedding...I cracked up.
you love to throw shade at Lao Lao's parking skills...ha ha.

And if I can take a brief break from the fun shenanigans for a moment, I have to share this with you. About a month prior, on my way home from Soul Camp, I ran into one of our senators, Sherrod Brown, at the airport. I love all that he stands for and appreciate his tireless efforts to do what is right for Ohioans and the country. I wanted to tell him that but he was on a long phone call and I ran out of time so instead, I handed him a note explaining all of that and signed with my name and Lao Lao's name (but no return addresses). Well, just the other day I received this handwritten note from Senator Brown (and Lao Lao did too)! Wow! An example of how a simple gesture can go a long way. Very cool. Lesson here? Try to always jump at any opportunities to share gratitude with another person, no matter who they are. It takes little effort but makes a world of difference.

just a picture of me at a recent protest at Senator Portman's office
(our other senator who consistently makes poor choices, unfortunately,
which makes me even more grateful for Senator Brown)

a sign from that same protest

Also, as another side note, on the way home from the protest above, I was driving back from downtown and remembered that Uncle Forge was nearby so I spontaneously took him lunch and he ending up showing me around his art studio at CCAD! I wasn't expecting that but it was so nice to see where he spends so much of his time creating his amazing glass work.

the master in his creation station...where all the magic happens

Now, back to *you* (our regularly scheduled programming, LOL)... Anyway, you had school pictures recently (always an adventure to figure out hair and outfit each year) and I'm so excited that you are allowing me to help you be a little more creative with your hair as you've gotten older. You're even letting me do a little curling with our thin straightening iron which gives it some more body (as you can see below). It's so fun to share this new styling adventure with you. The fact that you march to the beat of your own unique drum is one of my favorite things about you. 

These pictures were actually taken the night before school picture day. We were practicing and trying to show Daddy how to help you achieve this look in the morning since I had to be at work early and couldn't help you get ready on picture day. I am so excited to see how they turn out this year. Regardless of your hair or clothes...you can never go wrong as long as you flash that 100 watt smile of yours! Love, love, love it!

And finally, I will leave you with a photo of my annual wildflower birthday bouquet with one single red rose from Lao Lao. Gorgeous, eh? You have the fun surprise of crazy decorations and breakfast on your birthday mornings and I have this tradition with Lao Lao. Rituals definitely make things feel more special for both the giver and the receiver. Happy to be party to both ends of that equation.

Love,
Mama